Running back competition appears wide open

[Daytona Fin]

Here's an Abramson article detailing the running back battle going on during OTA's. There are other notes from today's practice in the article.

If you think Knowshon Moreno is guaranteed the Dolphins starting job, he’s going to have to earn it.

While it’s still hard to imagine that Moreno doesn’t winning the job, the Dolphins spent much of Monday’s OTA practice working on short-yardage end zone drills.

All of the running backs, including undrafted rookies Damien Williams and Orleans Darkwa, were getting equal touches.

But it’s interesting to note that during various drills, Moreno was working with the 2nd stringers and both Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas were getting some work with the first team.

Coach Joe Philbin acknowledged last week that Moreno still has to get in better shape. It’s only early June, and Moreno’s arms look rock solid, so there’s no reason to think Moreno will have any issues shedding a few pounds come training camp. But Moreno has definitely not been anointed the starter.

Besides the starting battle, the most interesting running back story in training camp will be Thomas and whether he keeps a roster spot.

Thomas has struggled since the Dolphins trading up in the 2nd round of the 2011 draft to get him. He had one great moment last season, playing very well in a win over Pittsburgh in the snow. Of all the running backs, Thomas had the most noticeable stuff in today’s practice.

The Dolphins could save just under $1 million by cutting him. It should come down to whether they want to keep four true running backs. You’d think Moreno, Miller and Mike Gillislee will be back.

http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachp...ice-notes-running-back-competition-wide-open/

 

[mega-fin-love]

Maybe Miller isn't that bad he just looked like it last year because of our line? Maybe they are teaching Moreno a lesson because he came in a little out of shape?.....My prediction is that Moreno will end up taking the job before the season starts and that Thomas does not get cut and will be the second/third back. Really hard to be sure of anything at this point though.

 

[Blackhorse89]

I would agree with you that I think some of Miller's problem last year was the O-line. I hope to see Miller and Moreno get equal touches unless one ends up working much better than the other in the new offense.

 

[AFCMiamiEast]

Besides the starting battle, the most interesting running back story in training camp will be Thomas and whether he keeps a roster spot.

There is nothing that is "interesting" anymore in regards to Thomas.

 

[So Be]

There is nothing that is "interesting" anymore in regards to Thomas.

Disagree AFC. From what I saw last year, DT ran hard and, for the most part, got what he was able to from the openings he was given, and there were many fewer than what Miller got. I think we keep him.

 

[nick1]

I don't buy that daniel is really in the competition. It might seem that way but when pads come on I think he will be a distant 3rd. Maybe even 4th if that Damien kid is any good

 

[doughbraz54]

Daniel Thomas has had plenty of opportunities to show what he can do. He has failed several times in doing so. Just cut him and move on with it.

 

[So Be]

I don't buy that daniel is really in the competition. It might seem that way but when pads come on I think he will be a distant 3rd. Maybe even 4th if that Damien kid is any good

IDK. He is in his 4th year and has had limited play and injury problems. FWIW, he did have 6 TD's last year, one off Clay who led the team on very limited chances. I would like to see him for one more year.

 

[jetsh8r]

I always liked Daniel Thomas and thought he would strive in a system like Kansas City's or Houston's. His short yardage stuff is very uninspiring because he doesnt lower his shoulders and drive. I want to believe the coaches are emphasizing that but I havent seen it on the field, so who knows. I went back and rewatched all of the games from last year and Miller did really impress me for what he was able to do with such poor blocking. I see him as the clear starter. If he has blocking issues then putting him on the field as the 3rd down back doesn't really make any sense to me. As far as Moreno is concerned, he is right there with Daniel Thomas. I dont care about his weight issues. His running is really lacking something. He is extremely average as far as running talent goes. I hope I am wrong and he runs for 1500 yds, but Im not counting on it.

 

[Nublar7]

I liked the pick of Landry, but I wish we could have grabbed Carlos Hyde.

 

[NY8123]

I liked the pick of Landry, but I wish we could have grabbed Carlos Hyde.

I'm hoping Landry makes us all say Carlos who? I loved this pick, this was the one pick I did the Sparono to draft day and fist pumped like a mad man! Now I hope he makes me not regret impersonating Tony!

 

[Zounds]

Disagree AFC. From what I saw last year, DT ran hard and, for the most part, got what he was able to from the openings he was given, and there were many fewer than what Miller got. I think we keep him.

I agree Thomas runs hard, he just has no vision. He usually runs into the back of his own guy, or tries to run though a swarm of defenders.

 

[next-year]

I liked the pick of Landry, but I wish we could have grabbed Carlos Hyde.

Was sitting in the mezzanine saying holy **** we're gonna land Carlos Hyde or Allen Robinson this late, then we traded back and they were BOth still there and thennnnnn we traded back again only to let a top tier team take Hyde and let the jaguars bolster their now surprisingly talented WR corp.

I'm alright with the Landry pick but to be completely honest i don't see how much of an upgrade he was from Gibson/Matthews

 

[So Be]

I agree Thomas runs hard, he just has no vision. He usually runs into the back of his own guy, or tries to run though a swarm of defenders.

I saw the same but, not sure if it was his vision or, seeing brick walls of defenders where he was supposed to run. He also was disappointing on short yardage but, on many of those carries, not sure any RB would have had success. On the good side, he did score 6 TD's, 4 rushing an 2 receiving on very limited snaps, and I do not want to give up on anyone who scores points for this team.